Page 65 - FINAL_RPS Awards 2021 Coverage Book_Full (2)

29 September 2021

News
RPS Awards shortlists include top string

players

Star string players Nicola Benedetti and Abel Selaocoe are in the running for the instrumentalist
award, and the new Inspiration Award will celebrate non-professional ensembles

Abel Selaocoe © Ben Bonouvrier and Mark Simpson © Chelsey Browne

The Royal Philharmonic Society have announced shortlists across 11 categories in the annual RPS
Awards, each decided by independent panels. Prominent string finalists include violinist Nicola
Benedetti and cellist Abel Selaocoe, who are in the running for the instrumentalist award category.
Mark Simpson’s Violin Concerto is in contention for the large-scale composition award, which was
composed and premiered by Benedetti and the London Symphony Orchestra earlier this year.

New this year, the Inspiration Award will celebrate non-professional ensembles who have kept
communities connected through the pandemic. The public is invited to cast a vote from a shortlist
of six entities, which are:

Aberdeen and Phoenix Saxophone Orchestras

Aldworth Philharmonic Orchestra, Berkshire

Hilary Campbell and Bristol Choral Society

Orkney Winter Choir and Orkney Camerata